Head-to-head
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 91.5 to 86.6, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota Grand Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
A
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and hybrid large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-90 4WD, is…
vs
B2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Grand Highla…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Mazda CX-90
Slight edgeThe Mazda CX-90 edges it, 91.5 to 86.6, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota Grand Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
Tech & comfort2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 47.2
Fuel & range2026 Toyota Grand Highlander leads by 37.1
Safety2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 17.2
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlanderoverall 86.6 | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 91.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 62.9 |
| Safetyw 4 | 82.8 | 100 |
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 81 |
| Performancew 2 | 95.7 | 98.4 |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 52.8 | 100 |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 86.6 | 91.5 |
Toyota Grand Highlander: base trim LE FWD · Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
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Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $41,660 | $39,300 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,393 cc | 3,283 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbo | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged |
| Fuel injection system | D-4S | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection |
| Valve configuration | 16-valve with Dual VVT-i | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 21 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.329 | 3.692 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 70.1 in | 68.3 in |
| Overall length | 201 in | 202 in |
| Overall width | 78.3 in | 78.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 116 in | 123 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 97.5 cu-ft | 74.2 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 57.9 cu-ft | 40 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 20.6 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 153 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.5 in | 39.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.2 in | 39.3 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.2 in | 36.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 41.7 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.5 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row legroom | 33.5 in | 30.4 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,290 lbs | 4,846 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,290 lbs | 4,846 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,040 lbs | 6,854 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | Double-Wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with stabilizer bar | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS); rack-and-pinion | Rack and Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19 ft | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 328 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Electric |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 350 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 19 in |
| Wheel material | Aluminum | alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 8.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | 265/55 R19 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.8 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Mazda Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 3 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 60.2 in | 59.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.8 in | 58.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 57.5 in | 53.3 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
127 features · differences first, then sharedSafety28 differ · 33 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go | — | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | std |
| Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | — |
| Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | — | std |
| Lane-keep Assist | — | std |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | — | std |
| Hill Descent Control | — | std |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | — | std |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | std | — |
| Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Auto-hold Function | — | std |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | — | std |
| Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | — | std |
| Front and Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners with Load Limiters | — | std |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on third-row seats | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | — | std |
| Rear-passenger seatbelt reminder | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | — | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | std |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | std |
Infotainment16 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | — | std |
| Seven USB-C ports (one media port and six charging ports) and two 12V outlets | std | — |
| 10.25" Full Color Center Display | — | std |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | std | — |
| 8-speaker sound system | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | — | std |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | — | std |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | — | std |
| Multi-Function Commander Control | — | std |
| Paddle Shifters | — | std |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | — | std |
| USB Inputs - Center Console (2 ports) Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | — | std |
Convenience5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection | std | — |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | std | — |
| 12V power outlet | — | std |
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | — | std |
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | std | std |
Seating7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | — | std |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support | — | std |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | — | std |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-down second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-down third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- second- and third-row seats | std | — |
| Max Seating Capacity - 8 passengers | — | std |
| Seat Material - Leatherette | — | std |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support and 2-position memory | std | std |
Interior16 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 13 cup and bottle holders | std | — |
| 2nd row Rear knee clearance - 4.6 in | — | std |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | — | std |
| Combination meter with analog gauges and 7-in. color Multi-Information Display (MID) with fuel economy, Driver Assist, vehicle/trip information, and warning messages | std | — |
| Engine Starter Ring - Black | — | std |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | — | std |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | — | std |
| Leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel | — | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and matte gray metallic door trim | std | — |
| Soft-touch roll-top center console with removable utility tray | std | — |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | — | std |
| Manual Anti-Glare Rearview Mirror | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | — | std |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | — | std |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | std | std |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | std |
Exterior28 differ · 32 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlights | std | — |
| 18-in. 5-spoke silver wheels | std | — |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | — | std |
| 265/55 R19 tires w/ Alloy - Silver | — | std |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield and front side windows | std | — |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield and front side windows | std | — |
| Badging - AWD | — | std |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | — | std |
| Black front lower bumper | std | — |
| Black rear lower bumper | std | — |
| Black-painted front grille | std | — |
| Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals | — | std |
| Color-keyed outside door handles | std | — |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with on/off feature | std | — |
| Front Grille Mesh - Honeycomb - with Black Finish | — | std |
| Garnish (B pillar/C Pillar/Sail) Molding - Black | — | std |
| Headlights - LED with Auto-Leveling | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lamp | — | std |
| Rain Sensing, Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | std | — |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | std | — |
| Rhodium White Premium paint | — | opt |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | — | std |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wiper De-Icer | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Side Mirrors - driver and passenger heated | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side windows & rear lift gate | std | std |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | — | std |
| i-Stop | — | std |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | — | std |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | — | std |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | — | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | — | std |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | — | std |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage - cargo area storage boxes and under floor storage | — | std |
| Towing Capacity up to 3,500 lbs. | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Grand Highlander
Safety Signal86 B
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls3
Owner complaints30 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutUnspecified (10), Structure (8), Engine (6)
Top recalls
- highPower Train26V437000 · 5,408 vehicles
- minorEquipment26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
- minorBack Over Prevention25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
Mazda CX-90
Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints7 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutElectrical System (3), Unspecified (2), Steering (2)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41,660 (base trim) | $39,300 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $41,660 – $59,575 14 trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | PHEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Grand Highlander Hybrid | CX-90 4WD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 36 | 26 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,750 | $3,000 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander or the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 91.5 to 86.6, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota Grand Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-90 scores 91.5 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander 86.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander or the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts lower — $39,300 against $41,660, a gap of $2,360 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander or the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. 2026 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the differences between the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
This page puts 54 specifications and 127 equipment items side by side, with the better value marked on every row where the direction is unambiguous and the differences listed before the things both cars share.